August 06, 2026
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is proud to announce that the Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market has been awarded a $2,000 grant through the 2026 AgGeorgia Farmers Market Grant Program to support market improvements, community programming, and vendor development efforts.
The Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market was established to strengthen the agricultural economy of Calhoun and Gordon County by connecting local farmers, food producers, and small businesses directly with the community. The market maintains a strong agricultural focus, with at least 70 percent of vendors offering agricultural and food-related products, including produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, flowers, and other farm-based goods.
Following an official partnership with the City of Calhoun and a move to the Downtown Calhoun City Park, the market has expanded significantly, hosting more than 70 vendors during the 2025 season and welcoming more than 900 shoppers each week. The market has also become a popular community gathering place through partnerships with local organizations, educational programs, family activities, and live entertainment.
The grant funds will help support custom signage created in partnership with local artists, educational programming and community outreach activities, and the early stages of a vendor training and business development initiative designed to support local farmers and entrepreneurs.
According to market leadership, the grant will help strengthen the market's identity while laying the groundwork for future opportunities for vendors and community members.
"Our vision for the Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market goes beyond creating a place to shop," said Lacey Fuquea, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director. "We are building a community gathering space that celebrates agriculture, supports local businesses, and creates opportunities for farmers to grow and succeed. This grant will help us enhance the market experience, expand educational programming, and continue investing in the people who make our market special."
The Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market serves as a reflection of the region's rich agricultural heritage while welcoming a new generation of farmers, makers, and entrepreneurs.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit's Farmers Market Grant Program provides funding to farmers markets and agricultural organizations throughout the association's 79-county service territory. The program supports projects that improve market operations, increase access to local food, and strengthen rural communities across Georgia.